Legendary Winnipeg-born musician Randy Bachman is returning to the city to perform with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

Bachman will be a part of the WSO Air Canada Pops series for Randy Bachman’s Symphonic Overdrive December 5-7.

“I am super stoked about presenting my songs in a Symphonic Overdrive setting. It’ll be all-new grooves and a lot of excitement for myself and the band, including surprises that nobody will be expecting,” Bachman said in a release.

Performance times are 8 p.m. on December 5 and 6, and 2 p.m. on December 7. All shows are at the Centennial Concert Hall.

A special musical tribute to Winnipeg’s own Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) will close out the 2014 Juno Awards on Sunday.

The tribute will feature performances by The Sheepdogs along with several Juno nominees, including rocker Matt Mays, country rocker Tim Hicks, and Travis Good, guitarist for The Sadies.

The all-star band will perform BTO’s classic 1973 hits, “Let It Ride” and “Takin’ Care of Business.” All four members of BTO are expected to be in attendance to enjoy the special tribute performance in their honour.

Fans welcome back the Winnipeg Jets and celebrate the start of the NHL season at The Forks on Thursday, October 6, 2011. (TED GRANT / CHRISD.CA)

Thousands of Winnipeggers flocked to The Forks Thursday to celebrate the start of the 2011-12 NHL season and the return of the Winnipeg Jets. And why not? This city loves a party. But if you thought yesterday’s six-hour festival was a sight, just wait until Sunday when the puck drops at MTS Centre.

There was a certain type of energy in the air at the 2011 Molson Canadian NHL Face-Off party, as hockey fans young and old came together to take in entertainment by Bachman & Turner, Three Days Grace and Winnipeg-based Inward Eye. Large TV screens showed CBC’s “Hockey Night in Canada” broadcast, while other visitors made the rounds to try their hand at shooting a hockey puck the hardest, played a game of shinny on artificial ice, and browsed the latest in official Jets gear in the merchandise tent.

People began showing up by mid-morning to stake out their spot on the lawn in front of the Scotiabank stage. Some even skipped out on work to set up their lawn chairs.

“This is a once in a lifetime event, you know? Of course I’m going to be here,” said one man, who kindly declined to be named at the risk of getting in trouble with his boss.

“People of Winnipeg have been hospitable and have welcomed us back. I think after a 15-year hiatus you just see how really insatiable the appetite is for hockey,” said Brian Jennings, the NHL’s executive VP of marketing. “We’re really excited to bring it back here.”

Jennings also said the market is playing a huge role in the league’s success to return to the city. Jets merchandise has been out-selling other teams all across the country since it was introduced in July.

Winnipeg police estimated about 100,000 people made their way to The Forks at some point in the day. By Thursday night, there were no reports of any major incidents, but officers were on the lookout for open liquor outside of designated areas.

The Forks will see a repeat of Thursday on Sunday for “The Family FanZone,” where more hockey-related festivities are planned from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. At 4 p.m., CBC will air the Winnipeg Jets’ season opener against the Montreal Canadiens on three giant screens.

View the photo gallery below from the 2011 Molson Canadian NHL Face-Off party.

Fans welcome back the Winnipeg Jets and celebrate the start of the NHL season at The Forks on Thursday, October 6, 2011. (TED GRANT / CHRISD.CA)

Remember that sense of new found optimism in the air surrounding the return of the Winnipeg Jets? It’s still in Winnipeg, and it’s only growing stronger. While walking around The Forks on Thursday, and listening to young and old, the attitudes of Winnipeggers have finally changed for the better. The piece that was ripped from our hearts 15 years ago has been surgically reconstructed and has seemingly made our passion for hockey and this city stronger than before.

Watch:

Early Thursday morning with the final touches of the Scotiabank stage for the 2011 Molson Canadian NHL Face-Off party, to the sound and mic check by Bachman & Turner, it really set the mood. After all, we just got back our Jets, and you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

Winds in the afternoon picked up and there were occasional gusts of sand blown around in pockets of The Forks, but don’t expect that to put a damper on anybody’s plans on making it down to this historic party. After all, it’s sunny and 28°C outside — in October.

With the number of television personalities, NHL executives, or musicians that were interviewed, the vibe is consistent as everyone is excited to having the Jets back.

Local rockers Inward Eye told reporters that while on a trip to Korea, one fan yelled out, “Go Winnipeg Jets” as soon as they heard the band was from Winnipeg. When Randy Bachman was asked whether he had Jets season tickets, he said he didn’t because he was busy, but then looked over at Fred Turner (who still lives in Winnipeg) and quipped, “What’s your excuse?” Though apparently, the two will be in attendance for Sunday’s home opener when the Jets host the Montreal Canadiens at MTS Centre.

George Strombolopolous, host of “George Strombolopolous Tonight” on CBC, will be hosting the day’s events. He recalls working in radio 15 years ago when the Jets left and is glad Winnipeg has a team again.

Festivities run until 9 p.m. CBC’s “Hockey Night in Canada” broadcast from Winnipeg will begin at 5:30 p.m.

A number of Winnipeg Jets players will be on hand, including captain Andrew Ladd, Mark Stuart and Zach Bogosian.

Official Jets jerseys will be available for purchase, and fans can expect to be eligible for great hockey giveaways and other prizes.

Winnipeg police warned Wednesday that they would be enforcing the Liquor Control Act to ensure there is no drinking outside of designated areas.

The party runs from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

On game day (October 9), The Forks will also be the site of another party, featuring Doc Walker, Quinzy and Keith and Renée.

“The Family FanZone” will be a family-friendly setting with entertainment, contests, giveaways and more from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. CBC’s “Hockey Night in Canada” will broadcast the Winnipeg Jets season-opener against the Montreal Canadiens on three giant screens beginning at 4 p.m.

If you can’t make it to The Forks, there’s still time to celebrate on October 9 during the After Burner Social, featuring Blue Rodeo and Keith and Renée.